LANDOVER, MD. – In a season defined by success on both sides, the 125th Army-Navy Game was set up to be one of the most anticipated matchups in the rivalry’s storied history. For the first time, the teams entered the annual clash with a combined 19 wins, a record for this iconic matchup. When the final whistle blew at Washington Commanders’ FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, it was the Navy Midshipmen who celebrated the biggest victory of all, knocking off the No. 22-ranked Army Black Knights 31-13.
This marked Navy’s first win over their archrival in three years and a return to dominance in the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy race, as they completed a sweep of Air Force and Army to claim the prestigious award for the first time since 2019. In front of a packed crowd of over 60,000, including President-elect Donald Trump, Navy quarterback Blake Horvath turned in a career performance, while Navy’s defense delivered a masterclass against Army’s typically dominant rushing attack.
A Historic Season for Both Teams
The stakes could not have been higher. Army entered the game at 11-1, fresh off an American Athletic Conference championship victory over Tulane. A 12th win would have marked the first time in program history that the Black Knights achieved such a feat. Meanwhile, Navy came into the contest at 8-3, having opened the season with six straight wins and even cracking the AP Top 25 early in the year. Despite a couple of setbacks, head coach Brian Newberry’s squad appeared poised to spoil Army’s hopes of capping a dream season.
Both programs embraced the added weight of this year’s showdown. Navy coach Brian Newberry reflected on the game’s significance. “I think they’re like us: We want to be significant,” Newberry said. “I think we both were this year, and I think because of that maybe there was a little more significance, a little more interest in this game.”
The added stakes elevated the game into something truly special. By the end of the night, it was Navy who had seized the 20th combined win between the two programs, delivering their most complete performance of the season at the perfect time.
Horvath Leads the Way
Navy quarterback Blake Horvath was the star of the show, turning in a performance for the ages. Horvath accounted for 311 of Navy’s 384 total yards, throwing for 107 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 204 yards and two additional scores. His dual-threat brilliance kept Army’s defense off balance all night and proved the decisive difference in the game.
“I don’t think there was any hesitancy in our game plan or our play calling,” Horvath said after the win. “We weren’t afraid of going out there and knew what our game plan was going to be. And, we executed really well.”
The Midshipmen made a statement from the opening kickoff, embarking on a 12-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from Horvath. The drive set the tone for the rest of the game, showcasing Navy’s ability to dominate time of possession and efficiently move the ball against Army’s stout defense.
Horvath’s leadership was particularly impressive given the game’s pressure-filled atmosphere. In a rivalry defined by grit and discipline, Horvath embraced the moment, breaking through for explosive plays when Navy needed them most.
Army Stumbles Under Pressure
Army quarterback Bryson Daily, who finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting this season, endured one of his toughest outings of the year. Daily entered the game having thrown only one interception all season, but Navy’s swarming defense picked him off three times. He finished the game with just 65 passing yards, one touchdown, and 52 rushing yards on 19 carries—his lowest rushing total of the season.
Daily’s struggles began in the second quarter when Navy cornerback Dashaun Peele intercepted an errant throw, setting up Navy’s second touchdown of the game. The Midshipmen quickly capitalized on the short field, with Horvath connecting with Brandon Chatman for an 18-yard touchdown pass to give Navy a commanding 14-0 lead.
While Daily managed to bounce back briefly with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Hayden Reed later in the second quarter, Army’s offense never found its rhythm. Navy’s defense held Army’s rushing attack—ranked No. 1 in the nation—to just 113 yards on the ground, well below their season average of over 300 yards per game.
“It’s hard to lose that game. That one hurts a lot, especially when the trophy’s on the line and we’ve got a chance to keep that trophy at West Point,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “We didn’t do it.”
A Game-Changing Moment
While Horvath’s heroics stole the show, it was Navy nose guard Landon Robinson who delivered the game’s most unforgettable moment. Early in the fourth quarter, Navy faced a fourth-and-5 at its own 47-yard line. Army’s defense, desperate for a stop, prepared for what seemed like an inevitable punt.
Then, the unthinkable happened.
Robinson took a direct snap on a fake punt and rumbled 29 yards down the sideline, breaking through Army’s punt return unit with surprising speed and agility. Though he fumbled at the end of the run, senior linebacker Colin Ramos pounced on the ball to ensure Navy retained possession. The gutsy play call stunned the Army sideline and ignited the Navy faithful.
“The fake punt is just something that we saw,” Robinson explained. “We worked on it all season. They just gave us the right look, and I called it on the field.”
Navy capitalized on the momentum swing, with Horvath capping off the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the night to extend the Midshipmen’s lead to 28-13. From that moment on, Army never threatened again.
Horvath and Heidenreich Connect
One of the game’s most pivotal moments came late in the third quarter when Army had clawed back to make it a 14-10 game. Facing third-and-4, Horvath dropped back and delivered a perfect strike to Eli Heidenreich, who broke free up the left sideline. Heidenreich shook off an Army defender and sprinted 52 yards for the touchdown, sending the Navy half of the stadium into a frenzy.
The touchdown pass tied a school record for Horvath’s 13th of the season and also matched Heidenreich’s school record for receiving touchdowns with six. The play flipped momentum back in Navy’s favor and underscored Horvath’s poise under pressure.
“I think the big thing is like next step, don’t trip,” Heidenreich joked after the game. “You don’t want to be falling down on your own, but I think a big thing is just, you know, hitting your stride.”
The Aftermath
For Navy, the victory was more than just a rivalry win. It signified a defining moment in Brian Newberry’s tenure as head coach. “It’s hard nowadays, with the changes in college football, to really build a culture that’s built on love and trust,” Newberry said. “We still have those here at the academies. That’s why I think I got one of the best jobs in the country.”
Meanwhile, Army left the field in bitter disappointment, despite an otherwise historic season. “It’s been a good season,” Monken admitted. “But when you lose this game, there’s nothing great, tremendous, outstanding or stupendous about it. It frankly makes the season a bit of a disappointment.”
Navy will now carry its momentum into the Armed Forces Bowl against Oklahoma on Dec. 27, while Army will look to rebound in the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech.